Hello everyone,
My name is Sam. I live in Orange County, CA. I bought a new 07 IS350 last week. I had a hard time deciding on whether to buy a new Tacoma truck or an IS350. I went to the dealer to buy a truck (which I called in advance for) but I came away with the IS350.
I paid $38,992 for the car, which has these options:
18” wheels + summer tires
High intensity headlights
Nav system
Premium package
Preferred accessory package
Chrome wheels
Before buying I also drove a BMW 335i, which I think is a better car, but not a better value. I think the IS350 has sufficient features in the areas that matter and for a more reasonable price.
Issues:
#1 issue: I hate the seatbelt. I am not a very big guy (5-10, 250) but I can hardly put on the seat belt because the connector is so low that I am sitting on it when I get in the car.
#2 issue which is not really an issue: The brakes seem really grabby. This is probably because I am not used to them yet, and also the car downshifts rapidly when braking which seems to cause a jerk. The downshifting is cool because the car responds well when re-accelerating, that is why I say it is not an issue, more likely something I have to get used to.
#3 I don’t like carrying that huge electronic zapper key thing in my pocket. If I could have got a plain ol’ mechanical key I would have.
Bottome line the car is great Toyota quality, no regrets buying it and I look forward to years of reliable use. I especially like the oil filter placement. I wish they would move the guy who designed that to the seat belt engineering department.
If you see a black streak flying north up the 57 in the morning – it’s me and I'm prolly late for work!!
